€10M to help WIT move Forward

Labour T.D. for Waterford Ciara Conway says the publication of an inspection into the relationship between Waterford I.T. and a group of companies that provided its services means that the institute can draw a line under the episode and move forward.

She is welcoming an allocation of 10 million euro in funding from the Minister for Education which will mean that projects such as the Carriganore Sports Complex can now be completed. “There is no doubt that the relationship between Waterford IT and the particular companies that supplied its services was highly irregular,” said Ciara Conway. “The report concludes however, that there was no evidence, or suggestion, of any misappropriations of funds, and it’s important to highlight that fact.”

“The publication of this inspection report by Mr Dermot Quigley points out the issues, and means that an unsavoury chapter is closed. This should be regarded as a fresh start and it is now up to WIT to act swiftly with regard to restructuring.” “ I’m very pleased that my colleague , the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn has sanctioned a capital allocation of €10m to WIT this year .

This is to be used to meet the once-off costs of acquiring the Manor Village student accommodation development and completing the Carriganore Sports Complex “The sports complex in particular is of huge significance for WIT , and I’m delighted this can now be completed”. “Waterford Institute of Technology can now focus on moving forward and working with Carlow Institute of Technology on the process of acquiring the status of Technological University.”